Journal — Stories from the world of Japanese craft — makers, beauty, seasons, and the table.
Art / Craft

Gift Ideas for Tea Ceremony Utensils
Give the gift of authentic Japanese tea ceremony items, with each utensil holding its…

Porcelain Botanicals: The Natural Textures of Ohigashi Alyne
Step inside the lush atelier of Tobe ware artist Ohigashi Alyne, where porcelain blooms…

Guide to Japanese Wind Chimes
Explore the history, materials, and soothing sounds of Japanese wind chimes, bringing coolness to…

Visiting Kaitakudo Art For Hanging Scrolls
Discover the intricate process behind Kaitakudo Art's hanging scrolls, where every step is done…

Our Favorite Chrysanthemum-Inspired Tableware Picks This Fall
Shop our favorite chrysanthemum-inspired tableware with a fall feeling to bring seasonal beauty to…

Guide to Japanese Urushi Lacquerware: A Legacy of Beauty and Craft
Discover the history, craftsmanship, and enduring beauty of Japanese urushi lacquerware.

Guide to Kanazawa Gold Leaf
Learn about Kanazawa gold leaf, how it’s made, and why Kanazawa remains the heart…

Gilded Lines and Expanding Forms: The Work of Ishitomi Shunjiro
Explore the Kutani ware art of Ishitomi Shunjiro, where black lines, gold detailing, and…

An Introduction to Japanese Ceramic Glazes
Explore the history, varieties, and beauty of Japanese ceramic glazes and how they transform…
Ito Ryo
Guide to Japanese Whiskey Glasses
The golden glow of whiskey—an age-old distilled spirit with roots in medieval Scotland and…

Shaped by Hand, Moved by Nature: Yamaura Saori
Explore the quiet beauty of Yamaura Saori’s hand-shaped ceramics, inspired by nature, daily life,…

Guide to Japanese Teaware
Discover essential Japanese teaware and create a serene, meaningful tea ritual rooted in tradition.

Master Tamagoyaki with a Copper Pan
Master fluffy Japanese omelettes with a copper tamagoyaki pan. Learn step-by-step tips, care instructions,…

What Is Ukiyo-e? A Look into Japan’s Iconic Woodblock Print Art
Explore the beauty of ukiyo-e, from Edo-era art history to home goods inspired by…

Nihonga: The Art of Japanese Painting
Explore the elegant world of nihonga, Japanese painting rooted in nature and tradition.

7 Lucky Japanese Patterns
Discover eight traditional Japanese patterns that are used in kimonos, crafts, and more, plus…

Guide to Japanese Bamboo Crafts
Explore the history, beauty, and sustainability of Japanese bamboo crafts.

Breathing Bamboo: The Art of Japanese Painting by Mino Shodo
Discover Mino Shodo’s expressive ink paintings of bamboo, capturing the spirit of nature through…

12 Japanese Lucky Charms and Their Meanings
Uncover the meanings of 12 Japanese lucky charms and discover gifts that celebrate the…

Washi Paper: A Slice of Nature in Your Hand
A slice of forest and light—washi brings warmth, texture, and tradition into daily life…
Michael Pronko
How Ramen Bowl Design Works: Exhibition Visit
Explore the “Art of the RAMEN Bowl” exhibit and discover how design and culture…

The Art of Keinen Bika: How Japanese Crafts Age Gracefully
Discover keinen bika, how Japanese crafts like ceramics and lacquerware grow more beautiful with…
Ito Ryo
Quiet Passion in Every Brushstroke: The Artistry of Satomi Toshitaka
Learn about Satomi Toshitaka, a Mikawachi ware craftsman whose passion and refined brushwork carry…

Admiring the Beauty of Floral Art at Sannomaru Shozokan
Discover floral masterpieces at Sannomaru Shozokan's "Hyakka Hiraku," showcasing art treasured by Japan's Imperial…
